Destiny And The Imbibed
[Continued From Vol. 4, No. 2, January , 1998]
We are evaluated based on the intentions that accompany the action. If we intend evil and something good comes out of it, we are credited with the evil of our intentions, and similarly, if our intentions were good and something goes wrong, we nonetheless earn the good that we intended. Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'Ala) says, "No disaster befalls in the earth or in yourselves but it is in a clear book before We bring it into existence - surely that is easy to Allah - so that you grieve not for what has escaped you, nor exult in that which He has given you. And Allah loves not the arrogant boaster" (57:22,23). This is also why a Muslim shouldn't say that if he/she or someone else had or had not done such-and-such a thing, then this-or-that would have happened. In all this, there is no set formula for heaven and hell. Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'Ala) amplifies our good intentions as He pleases, and forgives our wrongs as He pleases. As several ahadith relate, there might be one thing that we do right that might please Him to the extent that it preponderates everything else (for example, a hadith relates that a prostitute will go to heaven because she gave a thirsty dog a drink of water on a hot day, just out of pure compassion), and there might be something that we do wrong intentionally that might displease Him such that the gravity of this evil preponderates a lifetime of goodness (for example, a sahabi who had lived and fought by the side of the Nabiy Muhammad [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalihi) wa salam] committed suicide because he was in pain after being wounded in a battle against the enemies of Islam, and for this he earned hell-fire). The Glorious Qur'an also says that, "And there falls not a leaf but He knows it, nor is there a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor anything green or dry, but it is all in a clear book" (6:59). The Glorious Qur'an variously states in different places that Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'Ala) knows the seen and the unseen, the suggestions of the minds, the secret thoughts and open words, and yet what is more hidden than that. He is the Keeper over all things (4:85), He controls all and is the ultimate cause of all things. We are asked to just "act" - we should perform the role of our lives with pure intentions that are might be pleasing to our Creator. We do not know what's good for us or not, and we should submit to His will with due acceptance. The Glorious Qur'an says,"Man prays for evil as he ought to pray for good - and man is ever hasty" (17:11).
With our worldly eyes, we view wealth and status and earthly pleasures as "good things", and the contrary as "bad things", yet with a spiritual eye, things might be quite the reverse. The Glorious Qur'an relates stories about Khidr (Alaihe salaam) and Musa (Alaihe salaam), and how a boat belonging to poor people was sunk, a boy who was the son of righteous parents was killed, and a wall was repaired that belonged to inhospitable and vulgar people(evidently, bad occurring to good people and good to bad people), but as the Glorious Qur'an explains, each incident had a "good" purpose that it served that would come to light only much later or perhaps never be understood in this world because its benefits and what it averted remain unseen. The glitter of the life of this world is so blinding, that it's difficult for the spiritual eye to see anything clearly without a conscious, concerted effort. We are t old in the Glorious Qur'an not to strain our eyes toward what Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'Ala) has given others because perchance it might be a trial for them. Nabiy Muhammad [sallallahu Alayhi (Waalihi) wa salam] said that if the life of this world was worth more to Allah than the wing of a mosquito, He would not have given the disbelievers even a sip of water. In the light of the above discussion, we can understand many ahadith of the Nabiy [sallallahu Alayhi (Waalihi) wa salam] as well as daily occurrences in our own lives. [To Be Continued Insha'Allah]
Saum: Fasting
[Continued From Vol.
4, No. 2, January , 1998]
The month of Ramadhan is derived from the ancient language. The months were named according to the various seasons in which they then fell, and the month of Ramadhan fell in the days of the excessive heat of the year. The word of Ramadhan is derived from Ramz and its meaning in Arabic is great heat or burning. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) explained: "The month of Ramadhan was named so because it tends to ramad the sins, that is, it burns them." Saum should be observed from the first of the month of Ramadhan until before the first of the following month (Shawwal), fulfilling by that the commandment of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), seeking His pleasure. The first of the month of Ramadhan, like the first of every month, is established by sighting the crescent of the moon.
Saum of the month of Ramadhan has a great spiritual experience.
Mere hunger and thirst do not constitute a fast. The Glorious Qur'an
says: "O Mankind! Worship ye only your Lord, Who created you
and those before you, happily ye may guard yourselves against evil."
2:21 And Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said:
"Fasting darkens his (Satan's) face, while charity breaks his back
and the love of Allah's sake and assisting others in doing
good deeds cut off his tail and seeking Allah's forgiveness splits
his spine. For everything there is a Zakat (purificatin), and the
Zakat of bodies is fasting." He also said:
"Fasting is like a sheild, and he who fasts has two joys: a joy when
he break his fast and a joy when he meets his Lord. The change in
the breath of the mount of him who fast is better in Allah's estimation
than the smell of Musk."
During this month, men as well as women, rich as well as poor,
influential and powerful as well as the weak and downtrodden have to
observe fasts. It promotes the spirit of charity and compassion towards
the poor and the needy, and it reminds each believer of strengthening
ties among them and bringing the whole community closer to each other as
well as to their Creator. O' Lord, the gates of Paradise remain open in
the month of Ramadhan, we pray to You our Lord to admit us through them,
Ameen.
Hadith: "Whoever Obeys Allah Will Enter Paradise."
The Month of Ramadhan is the month of giving. It also has innumerable
hygienic, economic and social benefit which are perceived only by those
who perform it a strong belief and sincere faith. Saum is a
superior form of worship wherein Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) prohibits
certain acts which are permitted in other times. This in itself shocks
man into renewed awareness and people him/her to new spiritual heights.
It is said that man must interact with every act performed-there must be
a conscious awareness of the act and involvement of the inner spirit.
To continue to perform any act of worship without such an involvement
might lead one to act merely out of habit and in a mechanical way
without the deep spiritual feeling and the joy of worship. This is
why Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) has chosen one tenet of Islam where
He prohibits acts which are permitted throughout the year. The result
is the revitalization one's spirit and awareness, and the strengthening
of self control and moral consciousness. One of the spiritual benefits
of fasting is that it develops one's self-discipline.
It curbs the desire for food, comfort and sex, and the one who
fast learns that these carnal desires are not be-all and end-all
of man's existence.
Saum regulates these desires of the lower physical self and trains
the higher moral self to contro; them. It is one of Allah (Subhanahu
Wa Ta'ala) countless blessings upon us, and it surely is a
tremendous blessing. Indeed, may Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) bless
and reward all Muslims, and may He rank them among those whose fast
is accepted and whose sins are forgiven, Ameen. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu
Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam): "So, ask your Lord, with pur intentions,
for forgiveness of the sins and rectification of evil desires. Ask
Him for the opportunity to be able to keep the fast and recite the
Glorious Qur'an in this month. Indeed, unfortunate is the one who
does not attain Diving grace in this month."
Saum of the month of Ramadhan has a great spiritual experience.
Mere hunger and thirst do not constitute a fast. The Glorious Qur'an
says: "O Mankind! Worship ye only your Lord, Who created you
and those before you, happily ye may guard yourselves against evil."
2:21 And Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam)
Said: "Fasting darkens his (Satan's) face, while charity breaks his
back and the love of Allah's sake and assisting others in doing
good deeds cut off his tail and seeking Allah's forgiveness splits
his spine. For everything there is a Zakat (purificatin), and the
Zakat of bodies is fasting." He also said:
"Fasting is like a sheild, and he who fasts has two joys: a joy when
he break his fast and a joy when he meets his Lord. The change in
the breath of the mount of him who fast is better in Allah's estimation
than the smell of Musk."
During this month, men as well as women, rich as well as poor,
influential and powerful as well as the weak and downtrodden have to
observe fasts. It promotes the spirit of charity and compassion towards
the poor and the needy, and it reminds each believer of strengthening
ties among them and bringing the whole community closer to each other as
well as to their Creator.
This month is considered a month of baraka (divine grace). Muslims
are offered that extra chance which everyone of us needs to get closer
to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala). Nonsense talk is abandoned, optional
prayers are perfornmed, recitation of the Glorious Qur'an is observed,
and charitable acts are increased toward the poor. The Glorious Qur'an
says: "And giveth his wealth out of love for Him to kindred and the
orphans and the poor and the wayfarer and the needy and for those in
bondage." 2:117
An individual makes a firm intention to increase devotion, not only
in this month of Ramadhan, but throughout the year,, hoping to keep
his/her scales of good deeds heavy on the Day of Judgment.
One of the benefit s of fasting is to drain
an individual to be able to face the ardships of life and to bring the
individual nearer to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala). It teaches individuals
to realize the difficulties of those who are less fortunate. However
notwithstanding its benefits, a Muslim fasts solely because this is a
command from Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala).It is reported that the
individual who fasts in the month of Ramadhan out of belief in Allah
(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and desired to obey His command shall be pardoned
for all the past sins and that he/she will be protected from
the Fire.
The joy in the mixed feeling when the month of Ramadhan
departs lies in satisfaction that the individual has successfully
completed his/her obligation to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) .
Peace be on thee, O month in which attaining hopes neared, and
in which good deeds increased. Peace be on this month which was a
highly respected companion when present and whose absence is lamented
when it is gone. Peace be on thee as thou didst come to us with blessings
and didst wash away from us the dirt of guilt. Let it be the best
day that passed over us, the greatest attractor of pardon, and
the greatest eraser of sin. O' Lord, bless us on the day of Eid which
Thou hast ordained to be a festival and a day of joy, of gathering,
and of congregation for the people of Thy creed., Ameen.
It Is Recommended To Contact An Islamic Institution Close To Your
Location For More Details Regarding The Fast Of The Holy Month Of
Ramadhan.
Hadith: "Whoever is anxious to (enter) paradise, he hastens
doing good deeds."
Segments of a letter received from brother Chad (Abu Ali)
in Virginia: This is the first time I've ever fasted. I can already
see the benefits. Islam is submission and submission is obedience
and discipline. Last night I saw the sunset; then I saw the month
of Ramadhan moon; and today the sun shined brightly. How wounderful
are the gifts of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala).
We are so pleased to receive our brother Chad's letter.
Brother Chad recently returned to Islam. Indeed, we are all
born Muslim! We pray for him to be successful in this life and in
the hereafter. Segments of a letter received from brother inmate
Le'Vaughn in Delaware:
In the Name Of Allah
Dear brothers in Islam.
May Allah bless you, and thank you for the work you brothers
are doing. The Glorious Qur'an that you gave me is very wonderful.
I would like to donate some money to you brothers, but I don't know who
I should send it to. Please supply me with this information. Thank you.
Thank you brother for letting us know that have you received your
package including the
Glorious Qur'an. For those brothers and sisters who would like
to donate, please see the editorial page.
We are very gratefully to all sources who sent us publications, their communications about Islam, Muslim community affairs, and educational articles, and to many individuals and institutions in the United States and abroad. Ma-Sha'Allah, these publications are all excellent and those who have borrowed them have enjoyed reading them. These publications are inventoried in the KUFA Public Library and some have been mailed to our brothers and sisters in the prisons and other places.
In addition, our thanks for all brothers and sisters who took
the time to write or call KCIK and inform us about the change of
their addresses or their desire to receive the AL-KUFA Newsletter.
REMEMBER IT COSTS US TO DISTRIBUTE THIS NEWSLETTER TO THOUSANDS OF
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Our special thanks and appreciation to our brother from
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of $50; $50 and $50 respectively. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your
donations and support.
May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) reward all of you in this life
and the hereafter. The Glorious Qur'an says: "You will never attain
piety unless you spend on others out of what you dearly cherish."
3:92.
Finally, we are very much thankful to our generous readers and
members who continue to send their donations, gifts, publications
and so on. The Glorious Qur'an says: "(Say): We feed you only for
the pleasure of Allah; we desire from you neither reward nor thanks.
And spend (benevolently) of what We have provided them with, secretly
and openly, and they turn evil away with good; for these is the (happy)
attainment of the (Eternal) abode." 76:9 & 13:22
Just remember that any money you pay to support KCIK, KUFA School,
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and provide you with resources to continue your support. The Glorious
Qur'an says:
"Say (O' Our Apostle Muhammad!)' If ye do love Allah, then follow
me, and Allah will love you." 3:30 Jazakum Allah Khair (MAY ALLAH REWARD
YOU WITH GOODNESS).
The Kufa Center Of Islamic Knowledge is entirely dependent on
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In addition, we receive a large number of requests for the AL-KUFA
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Newsletter with our parcel to prison libraries.]
In addition, it is our responsibility to bring to your attention,
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and in need of resources {Qur'an, Hadith, Fiqh, and other Islamic
books (we are in particular need of English translations of the Glorious
Qur'an)}.
Copies of the Glorious Qur'an with English meaning and Islamic books
were received, from the donation of two Islamic foundations. Also,
Islamic Book Shop and Open School donated books and tapes. These
donations will aid us in our Dawah program as well as benefit the KUFA
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participate in this Dawah program. Jazakum Allahu Khairan. Also,
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Please donate these or the costs of these items. Also, we don't
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will be one of the (Mohsin) who will donate for the cause of Islam
and humanity. Our thanks and appreciation to Futurenet Corp. for
thier donation of a Microtek Page Wiz black and white scanner. May
Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) reward you for your efforts and enable
you to do good deeds in this life and bless you in the hereafter.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan. Insha'Allah, the AL-KUFA Newsletter will
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Jazakum Allahu Khairan. The Glorious Qur'an says: "That Allah
may give them the best recompense for what they have done and increase
for them, out of His grace; And Allah provideth sustenance for whomsoever
He willeth without measure." 24:38
For the pleasure of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), we therefore
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to the attention of your community, and encourage them to donate
their Islamic charities to this cause. Jazakum Allah Khair (MAY ALLAH
REWARD YOU WITH GOODNESS).